Modular Elastic Stair Tread with Interlocking Shock-Absorbing Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stair footholds fail to effectively minimize shock on users' joints and prevent slipping, with non-slip structures being easily damaged and having a short lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An elastic foothold system for stairs featuring adjustable buffering levels, anti-slip components, and easy assembly/disassembly, utilizing glass fiber reinforced plastics and rubber-coated springs to absorb shock and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-slip structures made of synthetic rubber or metals are attached to stair ends, then slip prevention is improved, but the structure becomes easily damaged and has a short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The non-slip structure is divided into multiple modular blocks that can be independently replaced. When one block becomes damaged, only that specific block needs replacement rather than the entire structure, thereby extending the overall lifespan while maintaining slip prevention effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses elastic materials with specific shock absorption parameters and designs blocks with varying densities or compositions to optimize both slip resistance and durability. The modular design allows parameter adjustments by replacing blocks with different properties as needed.
2Reliability
If rigid non-slip structures are used on stairs, then slip prevention is improved, but shock to users' joints increases causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters of the non-slip blocks by using elastic materials with controlled shock absorption properties. The blocks are designed with specific hardness, density, and elasticity parameters that allow them to provide slip resistance while simultaneously absorbing impact shocks to protect users' joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-slip structure combines rigid components for structural integrity and slip resistance with elastic materials for shock absorption. This composite approach creates a multi-functional block that simultaneously prevents slipping and reduces harmful shocks to joints.
3Reliability
If fixed non-slip structures are installed on stairs, then slip prevention is improved, but ease of installation and repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-slip structure is segmented into modular blocks that can be easily installed and removed independently. This modular design allows users to install only the sections needed and reposition individual blocks as required, maintaining slip prevention effectiveness while significantly improving installation flexibility and repositioning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The modular blocks can be dynamically added, removed, or repositioned based on user needs, allowing the slip prevention structure to adapt to different requirements while maintaining its protective function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastic foothold minimizes shock on users' joints, prevents slipping, and allows for adjustable buffering and easy installation, enhancing user safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic members having both of the ends thereof respectively fixed between the first blocks and the second blocks
Implementation Method 2
rubber-coated springs to absorb shock
Implementation Method 3
first anti-slip part formed on the other side of a top surface of the upper plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elastic foothold for stairs comprising: an upper plate, wherein one or more first coupling protrusions are formed on a side of a bottom surface, one or more first block insertion parts having second coupling protrusions are formed on the other side of the bottom surface, and a first anti-slip part is formed on a side of a top surface; a lower plate, wherein first coupling grooves corresponding to the first coupling protrusions are formed on a side of the bottom surface so as to be male/female-coupled to a side of the upper plate, and one or more second block insertion parts having third coupling protrusions are formed on the other side of the bottom surface; one or more first blocks that are inserted and coupled to the first block insertion parts, that have second coupling grooves formed on a bottom surface so as to be male/female-coupled to the second coupling protrusions, and that have third coupling grooves formed on a top surface; one or more second blocks that are inserted and coupled to the second block insertion parts, that have fourth coupling grooves formed on a bottom surface so as to be male/female-coupled to the third coupling protrusions, and that have fifth coupling grooves formed on a top surface; and one or more first elastic members, wherein both ends are respectively fixed to the fourth coupling grooves and the fifth coupling grooves between the first blocks and the second blocks. According to the present invention, an elastic foothold for stairs that can be fixed to stairs and that minimises shock applied to feet when climbing up and down the stairs so as to be able to prevent harmful effects on joints such as knees of a walker can be provided.